MLS Cup Rematch: It’s Toronto vs. Seattle

The 2017 MLS Cup will be a rematch of the 2016 final. Toronto will again host Seattle, on Dec. 8, after the two teams won their conference titles this week.

Toronto Edges Columbus

After more than three halves of soccer without a goal, Jozy Altidore found the breakthrough to send Toronto to MLS Cup instead of Columbus. The two sides played to a scoreless stalemate in Ohio before heading north for a more eventful second leg. The Crew had an edge on the first half, but needed a penalty save by Zack Steffen to keep things level. The hosts exerted more control after a formation change at halftime. Altidore was given every chance to stay in the game despite clearly struggling with an ankle injury, and rewarded Coach Greg Vanney‘s faith by scoring the series’ only goal.

Seattle Coasts Over Houston

Seattle rolled over Houston to advance to MLS Cup. This series was largely decided in the first leg, when the Sounders went to Houston and came away with a 2-0 win. Gustav Svensson put the away side in front early, against the run of play at the time. A red card to Jalil Anibaba, though, made things tough for the Dynamo. Will Bruin scored before halftime to give Seattle a commanding lead in the tie. Whatever hopes Houston had of a second-leg comeback were soon stifled by Victor Rodriguez’s goal in Seattle. Clint Dempsey sealed the 3-0 victory with a goal after the break.